But protesters for Dogs Against Romney — most of whom have liberal leanings — think the issue should be taken more seriously.

"It's important for people to understand the kind of character of this man who is running for president," the group's spokeswoman, Kitty Hendrix, told Business Insider. "It indicates the sense of entitlement that this man has — that he would impose his will like that on the family pet."

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Dogs Against Romney protesters drew a lot of attention outside of Madison Square Garden this afternoon. Some onlookers even joined in the protest after they heard Seamus's story.

Steve Herrig, of Manhattan, said he disagrees with both Romney's politics and the way he treats animals. The rally, he said, was "dual-purpose."

Grace Wyler/Business Insider

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Veronica Cedeno, a 23-year-old from Weehawken, N.J., told Business Insider that her decision to come to the rally was about dogs, not politics. She said she is still deciding between President Obama and Ron Paul.

Grace Wyler/Business Insider

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The media went into action when Tate Housman arrived, with his pug in his backpack.